Linda Kay Thompson
Linda Kay Thompson left our world on September 9, 2024, leaving a legacy of kindness and resilience. Born in the small town of California, Missouri, on March 22, 1957, to her late parents Russell Watring and Ida Catherine (Hoke) Adams, Linda's journey began. It was in this nurturing small-town environment that Linda cultivated her caring nature, becoming the cornerstone of her family's well-being.
Linda shared a blessed life with her beloved husband, James Thompson, cherishing 36 years of matrimony until his passing. Her dedication and hard work were evident to all who knew her, as Linda poured her heart into every task, from her days as a waitress and cook to the friendly face at Walmart where she was a department manager. Her many years of service at the Bourbon Family Center made her a familiar and comforting presence in her community. She and her sister Carol who also worked at the Family Center were inseparable. They were true partners in crime and shared everything including their lottery winnings.
In her personal life, Linda epitomized the role of family caregiver, especially for her sister Connie and, most recently, her treasured mother, Ida. Linda's stubborn yet loving nature, her selflessness, and golden heart demonstrated a formidable woman, one with the enviable ability to tackle any challenge life threw her way. Her fierce independence was showcased through her remarkable talent for fixing anything with the aid of a YouTube video.
Not one to shy away from manual labor, Linda found peace and fulfillment in tending to her yard and making improvements to her home. It was these simple pleasures, coupled with her boundless love, that will be remembered and cherished by those who had the fortune to cross paths with Linda Kay Thompson. Her spirit, as luminous and enduring as the gardens she kept, will continue to inspire and guide us.
Linda is survived by her children, Christina Fernandez and husband Joshua, Angie Cain, Bradley Doyle and wife Danielle all of Bourbon, MO, Janice Herron and husband Clay of Jefferson City, MO; eight grandchildren, Devlin and Daria Blankenship, Taj and Ella Eichwald, Lucy and Eden Cain, Gabrielle Allison and husband Tyler and Cole Herron; two great-grandchildren, Jensen and Lane; two brothers, Russell “Lee” Watring and wife Marie of Bourbon, MO, Billy Watring of Leasburg, MO; best friend and sister Carol Schmuke and husband John of Bourbon, MO; special caregiver and good friend Trish Johnson of Cuba, MO; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.
Along with her parents and husband James, Linda was preceded in death by one brother Robert Watring; and two sisters, Connie Hughes and Donna Atchison.
Funeral services will be conducted 12:00 PM, Friday, September 13, 2024 at the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan with Pastor Matt Dudley officiating. Interment will be in Bourbon Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, Friday, September 13, 2024 at Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan, MO.